Check out the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's audio guide to Rotorua's Government Gardens in the Video tab.

In the 19th century the mineral waters of thermal springs were thought to cure an array of ailments. The government developed a luxurious bathhouse at Rotorua, hoping to attract international visitors by offering spa treatments alongside the area’s Māori culture and geothermal wonders.

Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives. Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number CDR624).

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Roadside Stories are a series of audio guides to places of interest on major road trips in New Zealand. Each guide tells the story of an attraction along the way – its people, its history, its cultural and natural significance. For more information about Roadside Stories visit http://www.mch.govt.nz/roadside/